On Saturday 11th october, the Penguin Club was invaded by three bands from Christchurch. This group of musicians have all been playing for many years, in various bands, and the atmosphere was one of natural cameraderie, the essence of original, live music.
The first band up was ‘The Kranks’. The high energy well played garage rock filled the club and they never let up until the last guitar chord faded away.
The next band on the stage was the ‘ Lowliners ‘. This band was tight, and reminded me of the Gordons with their fast intricate sound. The twins, Sharon on bass and Jo on guitar played like the experienced rockers they are striding the stage like musical warrioresses. There is something special about family playing music together, which showed in how their sound melded together in a driving force. They certainly did not sound like the Osmonds. The drummer, was there providing the beat with immaculate timing and the singer/ guitarist wove it all together. Original songs pounded at your being relentlessly, and I was happy to hear that original, kiwi, garage punk is alive and well.
The next treat in store was “Shadow of the Valley’. This band is moody and dark, with a singer whose sweet voice contrasted with the depth of the music. Mike played his guitar like it was his soul mate, and the rest of the band played and played, their skill and experience giving us all an uplifting, hard out musical experience.